Caramel is a food which has a colour from orange to dark brown and a sweet toasted flavour, derived from the caramelization (sugar cooked until it melts and becomes a thick, clear liquid that can range in color from golden to deep brown -from 320° to 350°F on a candy thermometer). of sugar. Caramel is used to flavour candy, as well as soft drinks such as Coca-Cola. It is also commonly used as a food colouring (with the E number E150).
Caramel can be made from sugar by heating it slowly to around 170°C/340°F. (The particular temperature depends on the sugar. See caramelization). As the sugar melts and approaches this temperature, the molecules break down into other volatile compounds that give it the characteristic caramel colour and flavours. There are also many other ways of making caramel. |
